||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES |||
A message from Steve
Last week, our 11-member Executive Team met for two days to focus on how we can deliver better service for the people who depend on us every day. With six new members and others in new roles since March 2024, it was a chance to ensure we’re all aligned on the same priorities – providing reliable service, improving communication and empowering the people who keep this system moving.
We know our riders care most about one thing: ferries that run safely and on time. That’s what this work is all about. Every conversation we had came back to how our decisions at headquarters can better support the crews, terminal staff and maintenance teams who make that possible.
Our Executive Team in Mukilteo last week for a two-day meeting on how we can improve service. From left to right: Assistant Secretary John Vezina; Finance & Administration Director Hillary Badger; Human Resources Deputy Director Christian Afful; Vessel Engineering & Maintenance Director Forrest Nichols; Terminal Engineering Director Nicole McIntosh; Technology Services Division Assistant Director Jacob Hiatt; External Relations Director Jenna Forty; Quality, Health, Safety & Environment Director Kevin Bartoy; Marine Operations Director Dirk van der Raadt; Electrification Program Administrator David Sowers and me.
As I start my fifth year at Washington State Ferries, I couldn’t be prouder of the leadership team we’ve built. They bring deep experience, diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to strengthening this system for the communities we serve. You’ll see more of us out and about, on vessels, at terminals and in local communities – listening, learning and working to rebuild the trust that keeps this ferry system strong.
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Chimacum crew helps boater taking on water
Our ferry crews are trained and ready to handle any kind of emergency on the water. Soon after leaving our Southworth terminal last Thursday evening, the Chimacum wheelhouse received word of a boat nearby taking on water with someone on board. They acted quickly, searched the area and found the vessel. The crew launched a rescue boat and brought the person safely onto the ferry. The person was not hurt and stayed on board until the vessel returned to Southworth. Thank you to the Chimacum crew – and all our employees who keep watch and help keep everyone on the Salish Sea safe.
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Showcasing our jobs at Tacoma’s Trades and Hiring Fair
We continue to share the many rewarding career opportunities we have to offer. On Friday, we took part in the Trades and Hiring Fair at the Tacoma Dome. The free event is presented by Korsmo Construction and Tacoma Public Schools. Thousands of high school students and community members explored career pathways across the trades. A big thank you to our Workforce Outreach Coordinator Adam Dahl for representing us and leading our outreach efforts. His team has attended six workforce events in just the past two weeks! Getting young people interested in trades is important. It helps us build a strong workforce and support the long-term health of the maritime industry.
Our booth at Friday’s Trades and Hiring Fair at the Tacoma Dome.
A fair attendee tries on firefighting gear while talking with one of our employees. The event gave young people a hands-on look at careers in the trades, including opportunities here at WSF.
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Tribal canoes at Colman Dock celebrate culture and craft
This Native American Heritage Month, we invite you to take a moment to appreciate the new indigenous artistry on display at Seattle’s Colman Dock terminal building. Suspended above are three beautiful canoes. They were created by Suquamish Tribe Cultural Resources Director Kate k̓yʔk̓ablu Neayuq Ahvakana, with help from others in the Suquamish Tribe and Native American communities. The canoes are made from western redcedar and resins. Each of the three represents a different part of the world: fish, or underwater relatives; birds, or air relatives; and humans, who travel these waters. They are made in the style of war or race canoes, which are still used today.
The canoes honor the Suquamish Tribe’s deep connection to Puget Sound and the waterways that have shaped their history. We are proud to display them in our terminal for everyone to see.
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Sailing stats for week of Nov. 3-9
For the week of Nov. 3-9, we completed 98.3% of our 3,059 scheduled sailings. This figure is separate from on-time performance. Of the 57 cancellations, 21 were due to tidal currents, 16 because of other miscellaneous reasons, nine for vessel-related issues, five due to schedule resets (when a boat is so far behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to get it back on schedule, providing predictability for customers), four because of crewing and two for emergencies.
For comparison, during a similar week last year (Nov. 4-10, 2024), we completed 98.8% of our 2,789 scheduled sailings. Of the 36 cancellations that week, 14 were due to weather, 11 because of other miscellaneous reasons, four for vessel-related issues, four due to schedule resets and three because of crewing.
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Customer kudos
“I want to say how wonderful this experience (onboard memorial service) was. The crew on the MV Spokane were amazing and so very kind, respectful, and accommodating. From the people at the ticket booth, to the deck crew to the captain, all made this so special. We had no idea what exactly to expect and we were very impressed. This was the perfect way to say our final goodbyes to our family member. I hope you can pass this along to others to let them know how grateful we are.”
-Edmonds/Kingston route customer
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